Saturday, 8 September 2007
Friday, 7 September 2007
Evaluation - Chris Krueger 9/7/07
The documentary was a first for me because I had no prior documentary making experience and I had never used an editing program before. My main contribution to the piece was interview footage because I interviewed George throughout our entire project and the responses he gave us throughout the film, which were used as a running voice-over, were answers prompted a large majority of the time by me. I also shot a portion of the film, mostly in or around interview settings, and helped edit a few scenes in the documentary and I did some sound reduction to get rid of unwanted diegetic sound as well.
Evaluation - Joe Liao
I could not express how exciting it was to have screened this piece at the end, needless to say the number of people who turned up for the 'extended session'. It was fantastic. From beginning to end, this project has bonded our team together, allowed us to learn from each other, allowed my team mates to meet a new wonderful person, and myself to appreciate more about Mr. George W. Payne; and of course, to produce a piece of work that we are all very proud of.
As I have often mentioned, this project could only have begun with the unconditional trust given by my team mates for me to have selected the subject that only I have the slightest idea of who he is. As much as I could describe George, I am certain that we all had doubts in our heads. I could almost even say the faith my team mate showed is almost as if they allowed me to direct them blindfolded. I am fortunate to have not sent them down a cliff.
In every stage of this project, our whole team had very pleasing amount of communication and collaboration. Rarely if not none in this project, believe it or not, did any of us held firmly to our personal opinions without listening logically - as a result, I don't recall a single argument that has been woven into our seamless fabric, which I will always hold dearly.
The piece we've produced - Orientation of Payne - explores a young british gentlemen whom I roomed with for two years whilst he was in Hong Kong. Any person is far more complex than a 5 (or 10) minutes film, so the challenge is to document an aspect of him that would be complete and convincing by the end of the film. We began by making an estimation - Restlessness - considering his life journey across places, and his multiple destination in the two weeks that we were able to capture him. However, we've discovered that in a way it is not up to us to decide or worry what the topic should be, very naturally arose a topic from the different conversations we've had with George. The intimidation of future hits us silently and invasively, and George obviously is one of us. It is certainly true that our editing in post-production can greatly influence the narration of the piece, however it was also clear that our editing was influenced by our time spent with George - and that, as I now see it - is the beauty of documentary.
If there shall be a theme for our piece, I would say it documents a piece of life that is as distant as close to our own. That could sound ambitious & ambiguous, but if I were to focus it on a certain topic it would've undermined such quality that we happened to have captured. In a way, the shadow casted on the Mary-go-round that is so steady even though both the caster and the castee were spinning appears to me like some themes in life that are constant and will hardly ever change.
I believe I have said too much. Cheers.
If there shall be a theme for our piece, I would say it documents a piece of life that is as distant as close to our own. That could sound ambitious & ambiguous, but if I were to focus it on a certain topic it would've undermined such quality that we happened to have captured. In a way, the shadow casted on the Mary-go-round that is so steady even though both the caster and the castee were spinning appears to me like some themes in life that are constant and will hardly ever change.
I believe I have said too much. Cheers.
Yvonne's Evaluation
Team JYRC consists of Joe, Yvonne (myself), Ryan, and Chris. Our documentary is based on a young British gentleman by the name of George. George Payne is a close friend of Joe and they both attended a Hong Kong University together not too long ago. George was coincidentally in London when Joe visualized making a documentary on him. What makes George special is that he has been exposed to Chinese culture and feels more at ease in Hong Kong rather than his home country of Britain. In addition George is about to embark on a Semester at Sea program shortly after filming finished. Originally, we hoped to capture how George's constant travel or "restlessness" reflected how he is just trying to find his place in the world, just like most people our age. Our intended audience is for young people like ourselves searching for a place where they belong. During the filming process much of our initial proposal had changed and we began to focus more on George the individual, rather than George the restless traveler. Throughout the documentary, his journey reveals much more than his cultured spirit, but his life ambitions, childhood dreams, relation with his family, and his independence as an individual. The film begins with George sharing his shallow thoughts and ideas of where he would like to see himself in the next five to ten years. But as the film progresses, the viewer may notice how George’s ambitions and mannerisms are the result of his childhood and upbringing. Furthermore we hope to present George as a universal character that one may relate to when undergoing the transition from college to the work place. Being young and in control of your future while facing many decisions is experience that many can also relate to.
Walking into the class, I thought that all films were the same. I didn’t know much about how documentaries were made and how the process was so spontaneous and unexpected. I really enjoyed taking this Documentary Filmmaking class because I learned how the process of filmmaking is harder than it looks. I came into the class with no experience or background whatsoever on film. Not only that, I was not familiar with the logistics and software involved. I would say I was quite overwhelmed with project but under the direction and guidance of Joe and Ryan, I felt a little more at ease with the whole thing. I don’t think I had a distinct role in the group, but both Chris and I assisted our group with anything they needed help with. Most of the time I found myself next to Ryan while he edited, observing and giving him feedback on his edits on the film. Joe, Ryan, and Chris were really fun to work with and I learned a lot from each of them. Being able to contribute my perspectives and opinions on George and important filmmaking decisions was more than I could ask for because I had no background in any of the technical part of the process.
Walking into the class, I thought that all films were the same. I didn’t know much about how documentaries were made and how the process was so spontaneous and unexpected. I really enjoyed taking this Documentary Filmmaking class because I learned how the process of filmmaking is harder than it looks. I came into the class with no experience or background whatsoever on film. Not only that, I was not familiar with the logistics and software involved. I would say I was quite overwhelmed with project but under the direction and guidance of Joe and Ryan, I felt a little more at ease with the whole thing. I don’t think I had a distinct role in the group, but both Chris and I assisted our group with anything they needed help with. Most of the time I found myself next to Ryan while he edited, observing and giving him feedback on his edits on the film. Joe, Ryan, and Chris were really fun to work with and I learned a lot from each of them. Being able to contribute my perspectives and opinions on George and important filmmaking decisions was more than I could ask for because I had no background in any of the technical part of the process.
Evaluation - Ryan Burkhard
Evaluation
Ryan Burkhard
My involvement in the film included me working as the microphone holder in some scenes, camera operator in others, but I’d say most of my efforts were poured into post-production and editing. During the shoots in London, I carried the microphone around to catch ambient noise while Joe filmed. Also, I shot some of the scenes in the park. With the assistance and input from my colleagues, I assembled the sound and audio into the structure we mapped out.
As I group, I think we all really got along excellently. Joe did the filming, I edited, Yvonne planned out the movie’s structure and planned the titles, and Chris chose the brilliant soundtrack. And of course everyone dipped into each other’s work to offer advice and suggestions. Since Joe has the photographic eye, it was natural for him to be the primary camera operator. This was just about my third time using Final Cut Pro, and Joe knows the program a bit too, so we helped each other figure out the technicalities at times. I feel that Chris and Yvonne were invaluable assets as well. They were not as familiar with the technical aspects and Joe and me, but their advice and suggestions and overall assistance was really amazing. Chris is a film watcher and Yvonne studies art so both of them really contributed their ideas to the subtleties and meanings in the film. Overall, we worked great together. I really don’t think one person did more work than the other, except for maybe Joe of course because he is a perfectionist. Nothing bad about that though!
The film itself sort of progressed from what we were filming. We had a whole structure and list of things to ask and shoot, but we ended up not getting that material. If I’ve learned one thing, it is that documentary is an almost improvisational form. We tried to plan out and have a structure going into the shooting, but by the time we got into the editing room, we realized that we had captured a different story altogether, and a much more poignant one at that. I’d definitely like to explore more deeply into this genre. There is something about the improvisational nature of making a documentary that I enjoy. Of course not every documentary is like that, but those are the ones I do enjoy most.
As a film major, I benefited greatly having taken this class. Looking at other classes offered at my school, there are not a whole lot of classes that mix the theory with the practice. The practice is where one learns, even if the film produced is of an amateur level. I think everyone who is interested in studying film needs both sides. They need the theory, and then the practice to demonstrate their knowledge of the theory. Too often film classes are relegated to being a watch film, learn theory, and write paper. The combination of using theory with practice in this class works really well. I learned a lot about the theories and Jennings contribution. I hope to carry that knowledge with me as I continue my film studies.
Ryan Burkhard
My involvement in the film included me working as the microphone holder in some scenes, camera operator in others, but I’d say most of my efforts were poured into post-production and editing. During the shoots in London, I carried the microphone around to catch ambient noise while Joe filmed. Also, I shot some of the scenes in the park. With the assistance and input from my colleagues, I assembled the sound and audio into the structure we mapped out.
As I group, I think we all really got along excellently. Joe did the filming, I edited, Yvonne planned out the movie’s structure and planned the titles, and Chris chose the brilliant soundtrack. And of course everyone dipped into each other’s work to offer advice and suggestions. Since Joe has the photographic eye, it was natural for him to be the primary camera operator. This was just about my third time using Final Cut Pro, and Joe knows the program a bit too, so we helped each other figure out the technicalities at times. I feel that Chris and Yvonne were invaluable assets as well. They were not as familiar with the technical aspects and Joe and me, but their advice and suggestions and overall assistance was really amazing. Chris is a film watcher and Yvonne studies art so both of them really contributed their ideas to the subtleties and meanings in the film. Overall, we worked great together. I really don’t think one person did more work than the other, except for maybe Joe of course because he is a perfectionist. Nothing bad about that though!
The film itself sort of progressed from what we were filming. We had a whole structure and list of things to ask and shoot, but we ended up not getting that material. If I’ve learned one thing, it is that documentary is an almost improvisational form. We tried to plan out and have a structure going into the shooting, but by the time we got into the editing room, we realized that we had captured a different story altogether, and a much more poignant one at that. I’d definitely like to explore more deeply into this genre. There is something about the improvisational nature of making a documentary that I enjoy. Of course not every documentary is like that, but those are the ones I do enjoy most.
As a film major, I benefited greatly having taken this class. Looking at other classes offered at my school, there are not a whole lot of classes that mix the theory with the practice. The practice is where one learns, even if the film produced is of an amateur level. I think everyone who is interested in studying film needs both sides. They need the theory, and then the practice to demonstrate their knowledge of the theory. Too often film classes are relegated to being a watch film, learn theory, and write paper. The combination of using theory with practice in this class works really well. I learned a lot about the theories and Jennings contribution. I hope to carry that knowledge with me as I continue my film studies.
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Film Proposal
Here is the original film proposal:
Team JYRC
Documentary Film Proposal
20/8/07
Everyone has a place in this world; one just needs to find it. The idea that people go through life searching for their niche in the world, and the impression they will leave when they die, is consistent with the story of George’s life. As we follow George’s preparation for his voyage on sea, we will be looking at his past, how it has shaped his current state, and how his travels might indicate the path of his future. This is not merely a biography on George’s life; our theme will be revealed through his story. He will express his views on young adult life in the UK, views on education differences in UK and Hong Kong, and his experience growing up in the UK and Hong Kong. His narratives will conclude why he thinks Hong Kong will be his place in the world and why his travels support his decision.
Taking inspiration from the opening scenes from An Inconvenient Truth, we will lay George’s voice over scenes of him traveling or things similar to what he is talking about. The style will primarily be autobiographical but with George’s narrative responding to our theme. Compared to the amount of scenery footage, there will be not much face time for George, but his voice will be narrating over the images.
The ideas of restlessness, traveling and motion describe the story of George’s life, as will the stylistic choices we make while filming. For narration, George’s voice will act as a stream of consciousness emphasizing our chosen themes that there is rarely a point of rest in his life. A slower spoken, more dramatic script will emphasize his main points clearly. This idea that his dialogue is constantly flowing, even at a slow pace, is parallel to his life. He is always moving, but life still continues regardless.
Primarily, the audience will be the people that know George. The theme of searching for a place in life is universal to all people and all ages. Though, because George is a young adult, it is more likely his message will resonate with people closer to his age: the young adults making the transition to adulthood.
A reference from Jennings’ work will be similar to A Diary for Timothy, as we will look into the George’s past life, the current, and the future. We plan to switch back and forth from the current to his past and future, similar to A Diary for Timothy.
Team JYRC
Documentary Film Proposal
20/8/07
Everyone has a place in this world; one just needs to find it. The idea that people go through life searching for their niche in the world, and the impression they will leave when they die, is consistent with the story of George’s life. As we follow George’s preparation for his voyage on sea, we will be looking at his past, how it has shaped his current state, and how his travels might indicate the path of his future. This is not merely a biography on George’s life; our theme will be revealed through his story. He will express his views on young adult life in the UK, views on education differences in UK and Hong Kong, and his experience growing up in the UK and Hong Kong. His narratives will conclude why he thinks Hong Kong will be his place in the world and why his travels support his decision.
Taking inspiration from the opening scenes from An Inconvenient Truth, we will lay George’s voice over scenes of him traveling or things similar to what he is talking about. The style will primarily be autobiographical but with George’s narrative responding to our theme. Compared to the amount of scenery footage, there will be not much face time for George, but his voice will be narrating over the images.
The ideas of restlessness, traveling and motion describe the story of George’s life, as will the stylistic choices we make while filming. For narration, George’s voice will act as a stream of consciousness emphasizing our chosen themes that there is rarely a point of rest in his life. A slower spoken, more dramatic script will emphasize his main points clearly. This idea that his dialogue is constantly flowing, even at a slow pace, is parallel to his life. He is always moving, but life still continues regardless.
Primarily, the audience will be the people that know George. The theme of searching for a place in life is universal to all people and all ages. Though, because George is a young adult, it is more likely his message will resonate with people closer to his age: the young adults making the transition to adulthood.
A reference from Jennings’ work will be similar to A Diary for Timothy, as we will look into the George’s past life, the current, and the future. We plan to switch back and forth from the current to his past and future, similar to A Diary for Timothy.
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
The Orientation of Payne - The Blog
This is the "Orientation of Payne" blog where we will be posting our film and personal evaluations.
Members include:
Chris Krueger
Yvonne Danh
Ryan Burkhard
Joe Liao
Members include:
Chris Krueger
Yvonne Danh
Ryan Burkhard
Joe Liao
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